Monte Carlo methodology applied to the analysis of the radiation field and scaling up of photo-bio-reactors

HEINRICH JOSUÉ MIGUEL; HORACIO A. IRAZOQUI

Porto

Congreso; 12th International Chemical and Biological Engineering Conference; 2014

Department of Chemical Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering - University of Porto and Ordem dos Engenheiros

A methodology for the simulation of the field of radiant energy in photo-bio-reactors for autotrophic microalgae propagation is presented. The simulation method is based on a Monte Carlo algorithm and predicts the local volumetric rate of absorption of photons at each position of the reactor, taking into account the absorption and scattering of radiant energy in the algal suspension, the presence of bubbles and the non-ideality of the electrolyte background solution. Moreover, a methodology is presented to assess the degree of light stratification in the reactor and an intrinsic kinetic expression for the autotrophic microalgae propagation, valid under light controlling conditions is derived from a simplified pathway. All these are key elements to the systematic design, scaling and optimization of photo-bio-reactors.